Comic Book Review - The X-Files: Season Ten #1

Villordsutch reviews the first issue of IDW's 'Season Ten' of The X-Files... 

"For years they investigated the paranormal, pursued the 'monsters of the week,' and sought the truth behind extraterrestrial activity, along with the grand conspiracy surrounding it rooted deep within their own government. But when Agents Mulder and Scully reunite for a new, ongoing series that ushers The X-Files into a new era of technological paranoia, multinational concerns and otherworldly threats, it'll take more than a desire 'to believe' to make it out alive. The X-Files: Season 10 also sees creator Chris Carter return to the fold as Executive Producer!"

Now this in an odd comic as, on my initial read, it didn’t overly impress me.  I wasn’t keen on the look of it, nor was I overly chuffed with the story.  I went away and an hour later I picked up my Nexus 7 and re-read it.  Lord knows why I did - perhaps alien persuasion or microchip inserted in my brain, who knows?  After my second sit down with this issue I was left with a feeling of ‘show me more’; this wasn’t an excited feeling, more of a curious itch.

I think my main confusion is where does this lie in the X-Files universe?  The TV show finished over 11 years ago (how old do you feel now!?) and we had a second movie back in 2008, which was just okay and is part of the X-Files canon.  This comic seems to either ignore The X-Files: I Want to Believe, or is leading up to it.  I’ve taken it as the latter, though it is difficult to push the second film from my bread box whilst I read it.

Written by Joe Harris (Great Pacific, Bishop: The Last X-Man) with story credits also being given to Chris Carter, we open with a blooded Dr. Blake being chased down an alleyway by cloaked figures.  She is desperately trying to call the FBI.  As the figures close in, we discover Dr. Blake is Scully.  We are then taken to earlier that same day as Scully is taking a blood sample from a child in Spotsylvania Medical Centre.  Skipping ahead we meet with Mulder and Skinner.  It seems the FBI has given Mulder and Scully a new life together under a different name.  The day quickly goes wrong as Skinner makes a call to Mulder later in the evening and on the pullback we see Skinner surrounded by the same cloaked figures that were chasing Scully earlier.

Now there may seem like a lot of story there for a recap, but that alone only covers the first few pages. Perhaps my only spoiler is the Dr. Blake / Scully scenario, but you’d work that out in panel three.  This is a rather fine introduction to what could be a fantastic opening arc to Season 10 of The X-Files.

The art and colouring is respectively undertaken by Michael Walsh (Comeback, Murder Book) and Jordie Bellaire (The Manhattan Projects, Winter Soldier). On the first read through the look didn’t impress me - I’m no artist myself, but I know what I like - but on the second go I felt better about it, feeling the overall artwork and story meshed well together.  It grew on me quickly.

I’m extremely glad that my brain itched enough to make the second read through.  You should all go and buy it, read it then read it again.  You’ll thank me later, and I’ll know because I’ll see the smiles on your faces due to the Xbox Kinect Video feeds I have to monitor for GCHQ.

Villordsutch is married with kids and pets. He looks like a tubby Viking and enjoys science fiction. Follow him on Twitter.

Movie Review - Much Ado About Nothing (2012)

Much Ado About Nothing, 2012.

Directed by Joss Whedon.
Starring Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof, Nathan Fillion, Clark Gregg, Sean Mager, Fran Kranz and Jillian Morgese.

SYNOPSIS:

William Shakespear's romantic comedy about two people who don't believe in love.

Much Ado About Nothing's release date is a masterstroke of scheduling in two respects. Firstly, and most cheekily, is that it's directed by Joss Whedon, the man behind Marvel's Avengers Assemble. It just so happened to appear in cinemas on the same day as DC's Man of Steel. Two comic book arch-business-rivals kind of pitted against each other. Someone at distribution headquarters is having themselves a well-earned chuckle.

Secondly, it's the perfect antidote to that slightly bigger, red and blue film. Those not fancying the CGI-heavy, Zimmer-score-pounding, action-packed Superman movie can instead choose its polar opposite. A black and white Shakespeare adaptation.

The text is arguably Shakespeare's most famous comedy. The main plot is one of those "OH MY GOD WE ONLY JUST MET BUT I AM TOTALLY BESOTTED WITH YOU - LET'S GET MARRIED IN THREE DAYS" kind of love stories between a Prince's squire, Claudio (Fran Kranz), and a princess, Hero (Jillian Morgese). The development of their relationship occurs too quickly for modern tastes, but a melodramatic spanner is later thrown into their works for mileage.

The film's cynical couple, Beatrice (Amy Acker) and Benedick (Alexis Denisof), former lovers who despise romance, are far more endearing. "Shall I never see a bachelor of three score again?" mourns Benedick as Claudio falls for Hero, while Beatrice taunts every man that bothers her. Through a bit of ol'Shakespearean deceit, the two slowly reveal their own feelings, with a maturer pace to the young lovers, and thus more rewarding.

Acker and Denisof play their roles incredibly well, as does the entire cast. The Shakespearean language almost acts as a mask - or, more appropriately, an enhancer - of their talents. Much like how an actor in a foreign film sounds far more accomplished, as the viewer doesn't know where the stresses and inflections are being placed, Bill's best makes great actors appear even better.

In fact, after a while, you forget you're listening to Shakespearean dialogue at all, much like how you eventually stop noticing subtitles in those aforementioned foreign films. Or the fact that Much Ado is shot entirely in black and white. You laugh at the right points (Nathan Fillion's deadpan Dogberry deserves particular mention), you get sad at the right points. Who would have thought? This Shakespeare guy's pretty good. And so's Whedon.

He filmed Much Ado in the two weeks following Avengers Assemble's post-production. To relax, he invited his most trusted actor friends to his house, and shot the entire adaptation in a fortnight.

The conditions of its making feel woven into every frame. Upon the film's final scenes, you feel as though you've spent a much needed long weekend with the cast. The effortless direction and genuine warmth between characters goes far beyond any honed skill or technique. Much Ado is clearly the product of friends hanging out.



Flickering Myth Rating: Film ★ ★ ★ ★  / Movie ★ ★ 

Oliver Davis is one of Flickering Myth's co-editors. You can follow him on Twitter @OliDavis.

Jurassic Park IV confirmed for 2015, but is it a sequel or a reboot?

Having taken over a decade to get the official green light, hopes that the long-awaited Jurassic Park IV seeing the light of day were dealt a blow last month when Universal Pictures announced it was to place the sequel on "indefinite hold." However, earlier this week it was rumoured that the studio could instead be eyeing a summer 2015 release date, and that now appears to be confirmed with Coming Soon spotting a promotional poster for the next chapter in the dino-saga at the Licensing Expo 2013....

As you can see, there's a distinct lack of numbering on that poster, so the big question is - is this a sequel, or is it actually a reboot? 

Jurassic Park IV - or maybe that should be plain old Jurassic Park? - is being executive produced by Steven Spielberg, with Colin Trevorrow (Safety Not Guaranteed) directing a script that's seen a number of writers involved, including Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver (Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes), William Monahan (The Departed, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For) and Mark Protosevich (Thor, Oldboy).

Bill Paxton teaming with Arcana Comics for Seven Holes for Air

Arcana Comics has announced that its partnering up with the one and only Bill Paxton - star of Aliens, Near Dark, Apollo 13, Twister, True Lies and Hatfields & McCoys - for the graphic novel Seven Holes for Air, which is described as "an engrossing and entertaining celebration of an iconic Western hero's battle with forces beyond his control." Here's the cover for the book, followed by the official synopsis...

"Written by John J. McLauchlin with art from Mick Reinman, 7 Holes for Air introduces us to Bob Rourke, the kind of man they don't make anymore. He's a tough son of a bitch; a fifty-year-old steelworker who smokes, drinks, and never complains, even when he's in pain. When Bob is facing the end, disease ravaging his body, he soldiers on at home, at work, and in an alternate Spaghetti Western reality in which his real-life antagonists become actual villains. Now, Bob will stare down death the only way he knows how - with grit and determination - as he struggles against the ghosts of his past and the desire to leave something behind for his wife and daughter."

Paxton will be attending next month's San Diego Comic-Con 2013, making a special appearance on July 18th to sign copies of the book.

Comic Book Review - Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #18

Luke Owen reviews Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #18...

'DON'T LET THEM TAKE SKIDS!' The crew of the Lost Light left CYBERTRON before they could hear those words-part of a message from the future warning of terror and catastrophe and a threat to the entire Cybertronian race. Can the AUTOBOTS do anything to stop the beginning of the end? 

Fellow Flickering Myth contributor Rohan Morby was talking on the podcast recently about his displeasure in the constant need for comic relief. His main points of contention where Iron Man 3 and Tony's need to make a joke every other scene and Star Trek Into Darkness that had the same issue with Simon Pegg's Scotty. While he doesn't read comics, I'm sure he'd really hate Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #18. Really, really hate it.

It's almost like a different writing team took over the reigns for this issue. I know I've had my issues with it in the past and have been known to tell the comic to lighten up, but this is a 180 turn from the seriousness of the More Than Meets The Eye #17.

Of course, the series has always had Tailgate to provide the comedy relief (he's like the Scotty of More Than Meets The Eye) but in this issue it seemed everyone was written to sound like him. Even Rodimus Prime, a reliable source of seriousness, was reduced to nothing more than one liners and 'witty comments'. I'm not saying this is an overly bad thing as it did get some laughs out of me, I'm just so surprised by it all.

That's not to say that this is a 100% laugh out loud comedy romp, far from it. In fact More Than Meets The Eye #18 has got some of the more intriguing and darker moments of the whole series. There is one visual towards the end that is almost taken straight from a horror movie - it's really, really good. The final page reveal is also really interesting and I look forward to where this is heading.

The artwork is bad once again, but I think I've harped on about that long enough while reviewing this comic. Block colours, dull backgrounds and not enough detail.

I'm not sure whether I really liked Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #18. Aside from the two stand out moments, it is such a departure from what came before it. And when it's not cracking wise or making jokes, it's really not that interesting. I'd probably suggest enduring it to get to the good stuff at the end, but I wouldn't go out of your way to read this.

Luke Owen is one of Flickering Myth's co-editors and the host of the Month in Review show for Flickering Myth's Podcast Network. You can follow him on Twitter @LukeWritesStuff.

Movie Review - Man of Steel (2013)

Man of Steel, 2013.

Directed by Zack Snyder.
Starring Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Antje Traue, Christopher Meloni, Harry Lennix, Richard Schiff and Ayelet Zurer.

SYNOPSIS:

A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.

I distinctly remember leaving the cinema after Superman Returns in 2006 with a sense of disappointment. It not only made Superman rather creepy, but it was terribly dull. With a plodding story and a slavish link to the Christopher Reeve films of the 70s and 80s, it left many questioning if Superman had a place in modern cinematic times.

Leaving the cinema yesterday (after a second viewing), there is now a clear answer to that question. Superman does have a place, though it isn’t what we expected.

DC have long struggled with transferring their stable of heroes to the big screen, with several aborted attempts. Batman, and in particular Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy were the main success, both commercially and critically. So it was unsurprising when Warner Bros. hired Nolan as producer, as well Batman scribe David S.Goyer, to get the biggest superhero of them all off the ground. In turn Zack Snyder was hired to direct, which led to another question. What type of film would we see? A grounded Nolan take or a bombastic and stylized Snyder movie?

Man of Steel gives us small, powerful character scenes alongside CGI heavy action scenes and really is a melding of the two. Most of the characters are given moments to shine, and those film goers who felt let down by the action free Superman Returns will find enough for several films.

Though it will is billed as a superhero film, it’s more a straight up sci-fi flick. The beginning especially as we are presented with a fully fleshed out Krypton, which is not only visually stunning but almost a short standalone film as we watch the events leading to baby Kal-El’s trip to Earth. In these scenes (in fact the whole film) Russell Crowe shines as Superman’s father Jor-El. Rather than merely a font of exposition, Crowe portrays a driven scientist who is willing to do what is best, and also very handy in a fight.

Kal-El is a lucky chap indeed, as not only is his biological Father fantastic, but his Earth father, played by Kevin Costner, matches Crowe’s performance in a much more sombre way. I understood (yet didn't always agree with) his point of view and his performance really shines in the scenes with all the actors who portray Clark.

Which leads us to the Boy Scout himself. Henry Cavill’s entire presence exudes just the right amount of confidence, thoughtfulness and hope. His Superman, though clearly a rookie, is pitch perfect as a hero you will aspire too. From his physique to his smile he is Superman. Much credit must also be given to Cooper Timberline and Dylan Sprayberry as the younger Clarks. Both do a brilliant job accurately portrayal the loneliness and confusion he would feel.

Investigating a mysterious man travelling the word helping people, Lois Lane (Amy Adams), is a conundrum. We are hit over the head a bit with her being a great journalist, though she seems extremely willing to trust Clark. Adams does a decent enough job with what she is given, though she can come off cold at times. The way in which their relationship develops is so subtle that it almost doesn’t exist, until the film feels that something needs to happen and pushes it along jarringly.

On the villain front, a lot of attention has been given to Michael Shannon’s General Zod. Though truly evil, you understand his intention, which raises questions not only in the audience but in both Superman and his Father. Not quite up there with Heath Ledger’s Joker, but beyond anything in the Marvel films. Zod’s second in command Faora (Antje Traue) pushes Shannon close for not only her zeal in killing innocents but also the intensity of her overall performance.

Though many films nowadays let the military fade into the background once the heroes show up, kudos is deserved here as not only does Superman make an effort to work alongside them, but they make a real contribution to dealing with the menace provided by the rogue Kryptonians.

After two viewings I'm left with a few issues. For a film whose main character saves people, a hell of a lot of people die! Not to give too much away but there is a level of destruction seen here which puts Michael Bay to shame. Sat in my seat wondering if Superman could have done more was not a position I expected to be left in. Though I’m pleased that this time we actually get to see Superman punch things, it’s verging on too much as we have city wide destruction and thousands of lives lost. It’s exciting, and bar the odd scene with less than perfect CGI (you’d think we would have this fixed 20 years after Jurassic Park) it is very cool.

But sometimes a film needs to let itself breathe, and Man of Steel is so intent on giving the audience what they want, it forgets at times what they need. More time with Jonathan Kent and less time getting thrown through skyscrapers would have served the film well and helped it fly higher.

At last a Superman film I’m invested in, Man of Steel features not only the best Superman yet, but one that fits well with the world we now live in. Yes it stumbles a few times, but I believe that ultimately people will come to appreciate the choices it makes, especially once the inevitable sequels have been released. Those hoping for a perfect child from the Nolan/Snyder relationship won’t find that, but they will find a strong entry into this increasingly crowded genre.

Flickering Myth Rating: Film ★ ★ ★ ★  / Movie ★ ★ ★ ★

Chris Cooper

Man of Steel featurette sees Hans Zimmer Crafting the Score

With Zack Snyder's Man of Steel currently sitting atop the global box office having banked an impressive $201 million in its opening weekend, Warner Bros. has debuted a brand new behind-the-scenes featurette which delves into the creation of the musical score by composer Hans Zimmer. Check it out after the official synopsis...

“In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time. Clark Kent/Kal-El is a young twentysomething journalist who feels alienated by powers beyond anyone’s imagination. Transported to Earth years ago from Krypton, an advanced alien planet, Clark struggles with the ultimate question – Why am I here? Shaped by the values of his adoptive parents Martha and Jonathan Kent, Clark soon discovers that having super abilities means making very difficult decisions. But when the world needs stability the most, it comes under attack. Will his abilities be used to maintain peace or ultimately used to divide and conquer? Clark must become the hero known as Superman, not only to shine as the world’s last beacon of hope but to protect the ones he loves.”


Man of Steel is out now with a cast that includes Henry Cavill (Immortals) as Clark Kent / Superman, Amy Adams (The Fighter) as Lois Lane, Michael Shannon (The Iceman) as General Zod, Kevin Costner (Hatfields & McCoys) as Jonathan Kent, Diane Lane (Unfaithful) as Martha Kent, Russell Crowe (Les Miserables) as Jor-El, Ayelet Zurer (Angels & Demons) as Lara Lor-Van, Antje Traue (Pandorum) as Faora, Harry Lennix (Dollhouse) as General Swanwick, Christopher Meloni (True Blood) as Colonel Hardy and Richard Schiff (The West Wing) as Dr. Emil Hamilton. Read our reviews here and here.

Explosive new trailer for Kick-Ass 2

With Warner Bros.' Man of Steel dominating the global box office, Universal Pictures has taken the opportunity to release an explosive new trailer for its own upcoming superhero offering Kick-Ass 2, which sees director Jeff Wadlow (Never Back Down) picking up the reins from Matthew Vaughn to continue the big screen adventures of the costumed crime-fighters Kick-Ass (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Hit-Girl (Chloe Grace Moretz). Check out the new trailer after the official synopsis....

Kick-Ass, Hit Girl and Red Mist return for the follow-up to 2010’s irreverent global hit: Kick-Ass 2. After Kick-Ass’ insane bravery inspires a new wave of self-made masked crusaders, led by the badass Colonel Stars and Stripes, our hero joins them on patrol. When these amateur superheroes are hunted down by Red Mist —reborn as The Mother F%&*^r—only the blade-wielding Hit Girl can prevent their annihilation. When we last saw junior assassin Hit Girl and young vigilante Kick-Ass, they were trying to live as normal teenagers Mindy and Dave. With graduation looming and uncertain what to do, Dave decides to start the world’s first superhero team with Mindy.

Unfortunately, when Mindy is busted for sneaking out as Hit Girl, she’s forced to retire—leaving her to navigate the terrifying world of high-school mean girls on her own. With no one left to turn to, Dave joins forces with Justice Forever, run by a born-again ex-mobster named Colonel Stars and Stripes. Just as they start to make a real difference on the streets, the world’s first super villain, The Mother F%&*^r, assembles his own evil league and puts a plan in motion to make Kick-Ass and Hit Girl pay for what they did to his dad. But there’s only one problem with his scheme: If you mess with one member of Justice Forever, you mess with them all.



Kick-Ass 2 is set for release on August 14th in the UK and August 16th in North America, with a cast that also includes Clark Duke as Marty / Battle Guy, Lyndsy Fonseca as Katie Deuxma, Yancy Butler as Angie D'Amico, Donald Faison as Doctor Gravity, Lindy Booth as Night Bitch, John Leguizamo as Javier, Robert Emms as Insect Man, Andy Nyman as The Tumour, Olga Kurkulina as Mother Russia, Daniel Kaluuya as Black Death, Morris Chestnut as Marcus Williams and Claudia Lee as Brooke.

Comic Book Review - G.I. Joe: The Cobra Files #3

Gary Collinson reviews G.I. Joe: The Cobra Files #3...

"SNAKES AND TIGERS! FLINT's plan to trap the team's new, elusive enemy may be crazy enough to work: offering up a target too irresistible to pass up, he thinks they can draw their opponents out. But when things start going south-fast-it's up to CHAMELEON to salvage the mission. Will she put the team in danger in order finish the job?"

One of two titles out this week from IDW's soft reboot of its G.I. Joe continuity, G.I. Joe: The Cobra Files #3 is by no means an exceptional issue, but it's head and shoulders above issue #5 of Fred Van Lente's main series and firmly establishes writer Mike Costa and artist Antonio Fuso's mature take on the Joe universe as the stand-out title from this recent relaunch.

Despite being light on action, The Cobra Files #3 ramps up the stakes for the conclusion to this first story arc, as well as continuing to excel with its characterisation. The bulk of the issue centres on Flint's audacious plan to entrap a Cobra-affiliated 'Tiger Team' known as the Night Creepers, which naturally goes belly up, putting the very security of G.I. Joe at risk. There's some great interaction between Flint and Duke (fresh from his Black Hawk Down adventure in the main series), while the conniving Tomax continues to lurk in the background, further toying with the fragile Clockspring and edging the love-sick analyst ever-closer to the brink of despair.

If I was to have one complaint about this series so far, it would be that there's not really much of a Cobra presence, especially for a book called The Cobra Files (if you've picked this up because of the old-school Real American Hero-based retailer incentive cover, you're probably going to find yourself a little confused and / or disappointed). However, Costa is doing a great job with his take on the Joe characters (Flint in particular), while the Tomax / Clockspring sub-plot is being built up superbly and I really can't wait to see how this plays out over coming issues. In the other two titles, there's little doubt that whatever the stakes, G.I. Joe are going to be victorious at the end of the day. With The Cobra Files there's absolutely no such guarantee, and with things fast heating up now is the time to get yourself on board.

Gary Collinson is a writer and lecturer from the North East of England. He is the editor-in-chief of FlickeringMyth.com and the author of Holy Franchise, Batman! Bringing the Caped Crusader to the Screen.